If you've seen a dazzling blue lake in pics of Norway's Lyngen Alps, the pics may look dazzling without much extra saturation. The glacial Lake Blåisvatnet or Blåvatnet ("Blue Lake", Jiehkkejávri) looks almost surreal in the middle of the barren mountain nature – so brilliant is its turquoise-tinged blue color.
Lake Blåvatnet gets its blue color from the melting waters of the Lenangsbreen glacier above the lake. The glacier's meltwater contains mineral-rich particles, and thick silt covers the entire bottom of the lake. The fairytale-like Lake Blåvatnet in Norway's Lyngen Peninsula is TOP 1 hiking destination, and it is worth experiencing with your own eyes!
The Lake Blåvatnet route is an easy half-day trip. The path of about four kilometers / 2.5 miles (one way) is well marked with signs and red paint, and you can't really get lost along the way. I don't think a map is mandatory. In order to prevent the deterioration of nature, you should not leave the path anyway.
Lyngen Alps
The Lyngen peninsula is located between Tromsø and Alta in northern Norway. The "Lyngen Alps", the majestic alpine mountains of the peninsula, dominate the landscape, as well as the deep fjords between the mountain ranges. When driving from northern Finland to Norway to the island of Senja, Lyngen falls conveniently along the way.
In the Lyngen area, there are plenty of wonderful hiking trails, both short and easy day trips as well as longer and more challenging hikes to mountains and glaciers. The Lyngen area (like the rest of Norway) is just perfect for road tripping combined with outdoor sports.
Great short hiking destinations in the Lyngen area include Dalberget and Storhaugen, Hengen waterfall, Lyngstuva Lighthouse, Barheia, Steindalsbreen glacier and Raikebakti. Raikebakti had a landslide warning in the summer of 2022 and the path looked so wild with fallen trees and boulders that I turned back quite early.
How to get to Lake Blåvatnet
If you arrive at Lake Blåvatnet from Tromsø, the most direct way is to cross the fjord with the Breivikeidet – Svensby ferry. There is a popular camping area in Svensby, where you can also find cabin accommodation. It is almost as fast to drive to Lake Blåisvatnet from Kilpisjärvi in Finland.
From Svensby, the road continues north and turns right on the north side of the large Lake Jaegervatnet. After a few kilometers, turn right again towards Sør-Lenangsbotn.
Parking and the trailhead of Lake Blåisvatnet are on the right side of the road, you can easily drive by, so pay attention. The facilities of the large parking lot include spacious toilets, a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, and a Lappish hut.
Lake Blåvatnet – hiking trail to the blue lake
The hiking trail dives into a birch forest on a sandy path. At the beginning of the route there are signs for Lake Blåisvatnet and Lake Aspevatnet. The mountains surrounding Lake Blåvatnet and the Lenangsbreen glacier are already visible in the first meters of the route.
A bridge has been built over the bigger stream, so you don't have to wet your shoes. The turf path is covered with wood chips. At the beginning of the route, there is a bit of a swamp, which you can comfortably cross with duckboards.
The hiking trail is fairly flat, and Lake Blåvatnet is only 189 meters (620 ft) above sea level. After the duckboards, there is a small climb on a path between pine trees and larger boulders.
After the beginning, the trail is actually a straight, wide and flat stone road, with mountains rising on the horizon. Some gentle brooks meander through the rocks in places. Sometimes it feels like the mountains aren't getting any closer, even though you're walking all the time.
Just a little before arriving at the lake, the size of the boulder field increases, and the path rises meandering through the boulders. You soon recognize the edge of the boulder field, and when you climb it up, incredible landscapes open up, with a sparkling blue lake in the middle. By the brilliant turquoise-blue Lake Blåvatnet, your jaw drops a little open – a piece of fantasy world lies hidden in the Lyngen Alps.
Swimming in Lake Blåvatnet
Swimming is allowed in Lake Blåisvatnet. There are several good stones and platforms on the beach, from which you can easily get in the water. You can also wade on the shore.
The temperature in Lake Blåvatnet is probably close to zero °C (32 ℉), at least your toes get frozen when you keep them in the water for a while. Surprisingly, there are also fish in the lake. Some people camp for the night on the shore of the lake, so there are a few flat camping spots by the lake.
Lake Blåvatnet - tips for the hike
- Assume a lot of crowds – people and animals walk in both directions along the trail. Although the lake is stunningly beautiful, Lake Blåvatnet is clearly a tourist destination.
- Lake Blåvatnet day trip of a few hours is suitable for hikers of almost any age and normal fitness.
- The hiking trail is mostly small stones, so choose your shoes accordingly.
- In clear weather, Lake Blåvatnet looks the bluest when the sky is reflected on the surface of the lake.
- There are plenty of rocks and places to sit on the shore of the lake – it's worth taking a small snack break while enjoying the scenery.
- Pack drinking water in the backpack. You can fill a bottle from the streams at the beginning of the route, but it might not be a good idea to drink from the lake.
- At the very beginning of the trail, near the parking area, you can see flat tent sites in the bush and, according to the sign, there is a lean-to shelter and a toilet at Lake Aspevatnet.
- If you are not in a hurry, you should also visit the nearby Lake Aspevatnet, where it is probably significantly quieter.
- Bring your swimsuit – when you see the lake, you’ll want to take a dip in the freezing water!
